Atlanta Falcons · Franchise era 5 of 7
Ryan and Smith stabilize Atlanta: the Atlanta Falcons story
Franchise era
2008—2014
Ryan and Smith stabilize Atlanta
Atlanta Falcons
The story in one sentence
Ryan's immediate command and a deep skill group produced five straight winning seasons and a 2012 NFC title-game appearance.
Winning seasons become the expectation
Matt Ryan, Roddy White and Julio Jones gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for the explosive super bowl team.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 2008
What came before
Vick's speed changed defensive geometry and delivered the first road playoff win at Lambeau, but the era ended abruptly before its potential was resolved.
2011-01-15
Divisional Round: Green Bay Packers vs Atlanta Falcons
2013-01-13
Divisional Round: Seattle Seahawks vs Atlanta Falcons
2013-01-20
Conference Championship: San Francisco 49ers vs Atlanta Falcons
After 2014
What came next
Ryan won MVP in Kyle Shanahan's offense and Atlanta built a 28–3 lead in Super Bowl LI before New England completed the defining comeback.
The core